My dearest little sisters,

As the holidays are growing near, and I am getting ready to head home for thanksgiving, I started thinking about what I was most thankful for in my life. Shocker, it is you girlies. I am so thankful that I was given the privilege to be a big sister. Furthermore, I was given the privilege to be a big sister to the two most amazing girls I know. You have made me such a better person both inside and out, and I would be a mess without you. Even though it is kinda the role of the older sibling to be a role model and mentor, I feel like you girls have taught me just as much, if not more.

You have taught me how to love. I love the two of you so much that when I see a new picture on Facebook, my heart hurts because you’re growing too fast and I am not there all the time. You showed me that even after a screaming match where we both storm to our rooms and slam our doors, a sister’s love is unconditional. And make-up hugs are the best ones. You showed me that I really could love someone more than myself. I love you girls more than I would have thought humanly possible. I know, with absolute confidence, that I would not hesitate to take a bullet for either of you. You showed me the strength in love. We have stuck together through thick and thin, Heaven and Hell, sunny and stormy weather. And I know that I am stronger when you are there. For teaching me what real love is, the power it holds, and that is it totally possible, I am eternally thankful to you.

You taught me how to laugh, even in the darkest of times. There is no way to sugar coat the fact that we have been to Hell and back again together. But even in the dark times, it always seemed like we were able to find a patch of light. You are my sun. You have shown me that with the right attitude, and the right people, light can always be found. This skill is something that I hold very dear to me as it is something that I can now share with others who are going through tough times. I know that whenever I am feeling down, I can call you and it will turn my whole day around. You have the most amazing ability to instantly brighten my day with your animated stories and great sense of humor. For teaching me to see the light, I am forever thankful to you.

You taught me that I am always stronger than I think I am. Whenever we have gone through something tough, and I did not know how or if I was going to be able to make it, I always thought of you. This is something you taught me without even noticing. I just always knew that I had to be strong, because my little sister needed me just as much, as I needed her. Even if I wasn’t willing to admit it, I did need you, you being there made me stronger. You are my rock. Even though I may be away at school, I still call you whenever I need strength. All those random phone calls where I just ask how your day is going and ask to hear all the stories about what’s going on at home, those are the most comforting thing in the world. I know that I will get through the next week of exams because I am going to make you proud. And after my last exam, I get to come home to you. So I know I’ll make it. For continuously reminding me of my own strength, as well as making me stronger, I thank you.

I will be home soon. And when I am and you inevitably make fun of me for writing this sappy article, I’ll laugh with you. But even though I’m laughing, please know that every word here rings of truth. You have made me the person that I am today. And you are what I am most thankful for, this year, as well as every year.

So thanks,

Big Sis